Ibn Taymiyya and Divinities: A Critical Study of the Concepts of Affirmation, Anthropomorphism and Sense Organs

Abstract

One of the distinctive features of Ibn Taymiyyah's approach to theology is his understanding of ambiguous texts involving anthropomorphic expressions, such as Al-yad "hand" and Al-Istiwaau "ascension." Hence arises the problematic aspect of the study, represented by the principal question: What are the characteristics that distinguish Ibn Taymiyyah's understanding of divine attributes from others, earning him such renown? The reason for this choice is to answer the previous question and its ramifications. The significance of the study lies in uncovering the foundations of Ibn Taymiyyah's understanding of attributes, and whether this understanding aligns with the issue of divine transcendence from resembling created beings. To achieve this, several methodologies were pursued, notably: the inductive approach, the descriptive approach, and the critical approach. The aim of the study is to reveal this understanding, which differs from others. The study concludes that his understanding of attributes is based on three pillars: affirmation, anthropomorphism, and sense organs. The intended meaning of affirmation is to negate all metaphorical meanings accepted by the text. The intended meaning of literal interpretation is that the hand and the face are entities in themselves, necessitating corporeality. Although he does not expressly affirm corporeality, he never categorically denies it. The study recommends examining the aspects of the methodology adopted by Ibn Taymiyyah in his understanding of attributive reports, in which he diverged from others.